UFC on FOX 9's Nik Lentz: I'm 'going to take Jose Aldo's belt'

SACRAMENTO – Nik Lentz is 3-0 since a drop from lightweight to featherweight, and on Saturday, he fights the division’s No. 1 contender, Chad Mendes. But if you think Lentz hasn’t been vocal enough to earn his own title shot, he doesn’t agree.

In fact, ahead of their UFC on FOX 9 main-card bout, he’s making intentions very clear: When it comes to a potential title shot, he wants it, and he feels he deserves it. And that includes a bold prediction when it comes to reigning UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo.

“I’m already vocal about it,” he told MMAjunkie. “I’m already going to take Jose Aldo’s belt. That’s why I want him to keep it – because I want to be able to beat the guy that’s considered pound-for-pound one of the best in the world. You can’t write it up better. That’s the kind of match I want to win (to get) a world title.

“It’s already special to win a world title, but to do it over someone that’s been one of the best in the game? That’s what I want. Chad Mendes is in the way of that.”

Mendes (15-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC), of course, is no pushover. In the USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA featherweight rankings, Aldo is No. 1, and Mendes is right behind at No. 2. Lentz (24-5-2 MMA, 8-2-1 UFC), who’s ranked No. 11, enters hostile territory for the fight, which takes place at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento venue is just a short jaunt from Team Alpha Male, which is home to Mendes and many of the sport’s other top lighter-weight fighters.

However, Lentz, who’s defeated Brazilian fighters in Brazil during his past two wins, doesn’t see it as any real advantage for his opponent.

“I’ve grown to love [fighting in hostile territory], but like I said in a couple other interviews, this is nothing compared to Brazil,” he said.” This is my home. I’m a U.S. citizen, you know? California is still in the U.S. I feel like I’m fighting at home for once.

“It’s not that big of an advantage for him. In fact, I think it’s just going to put more pressure on him.”

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